September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is an urgent and growing public health crisis. More than 49,000 people in the United States died by suicide in 2022. That’s one death every 11 minutes. (hhs.gov) Our office and CCSWO are training parishes and schools in the archdiocese in Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid helps individuals to identify, understand, and respond to those who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Mental Health First Aiders learn how to assess for risk of suicide or harm, listen, give information, encourage professional help and encourage self help and other support strategies. Mental Health First Aid can save someone’s life. Our pilot parish Mental Wellness Ministry teams have been trained in Mental Health First Aid and are preparing to launch mental health ministry support groups this fall. They are also planning Suicide Healing and Remembrance Masses. St. Gregory the Great Family of Parishes will host a Mass on September 14, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary at the 5:00 PM regular weekend vigil Mass. It will be an opportunity for the community to come together to support and remember families and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide. The Mass concelebrants will be Fr. Steve Angi and Fr. Michael Barton (Comboni Missionaries), with homily by Deacon Dave Shea. The Mass will include a flower procession for individuals whose lives have been impacted by suicide and reception will follow the Mass in Heritage Hall. Click here to learn more. Our Lady of Hope will host a Mass of Remembrance at St. Philip the Apostle in Morrow on September 22, 2024 at the 11:30 Mass. Fr. Brice Berger will be the celebrant with homily by Deacon Dave Shea. There will be a flower procession and reception in the undercroft immediately following the Mass. Please plan to attend one of these Masses. We have all been affected by suicide whether it has been in our family or community. Let’s join together to bring healing and hope!
Please contact Lisa Averion, laverion@catholicaoc.org if you have any questions.
Please contact Lisa Averion, laverion@catholicaoc.org if you have any questions.
